Uiux Designer Intern Unpaid

Company Intelligence

• Company history, size, and industry position: Eleken is a UI/UX design agency founded in 2015, headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine, and operates as a remote-first company. The team consists of 80+ designers and has completed over 200 projects, primarily for SaaS (Software as a Service) companies. Eleken is highly regarded in the UI/UX industry, with a 4.9/5 rating on Clutch from over 100 reviews, and is consistently praised for quality, speed, and deep product understanding.
• Recent news, growth, and strategic directions: The agency has seen rapid growth, expanding its client base globally and focusing on complex SaaS products in sectors like fintech, healthtech, AI, and education. Their design work has contributed to clients raising significant funding, such as $18M for Aampe and $3.6M for Datawisp. Eleken’s strategic direction is to remain specialized in SaaS UI/UX, emphasizing fast iteration and embedded designer-client collaboration.
• Company culture and work environment: Eleken is described as responsive, professional, and highly collaborative. Designers are embedded directly into client teams, fostering ownership and rapid feedback loops. The remote-first setup encourages flexibility and autonomy, with a strong focus on communication and integration.
• Values, mission, and what they stand for: Eleken’s mission is to deliver user-centered, conversion-focused design that solves real problems for SaaS companies. They value transparency, speed, and deep product understanding, aiming to make complex products intuitive and user-friendly.
• Office locations and hybrid/remote policies: The company is remote-first with its main base in Kyiv, Ukraine, but serves clients and hires talent globally. All roles, including internships, are remote, supporting flexible work from anywhere.

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Program Deep Dive

• Detailed program structure and timeline: The UI/UX Designer Intern role at Eleken is unpaid and fully remote. While the exact timeline is not specified, internships at similar agencies typically last 3–6 months. Interns are integrated into real client projects, working alongside experienced designers.
• Specific skills and competencies they're looking for: Eleken seeks candidates with:
• Proficiency in Figma (primary design tool)
• Understanding of UI/UX principles and design systems
• Ability to create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Curiosity and willingness to learn quickly
• Daily responsibilities and learning opportunities: Interns will:
• Assist in user research, wireframing, prototyping, and UI design
• Participate in design critiques and team meetings
• Work directly with senior designers and product managers
• Gain exposure to the full product design lifecycle for SaaS applications
• Mentorship and training provided: Eleken’s embedded model means interns receive direct mentorship from experienced designers, regular feedback, and opportunities to learn best practices in SaaS product design.
• Career progression paths after completion: Successful interns may be considered for junior designer roles or contract positions. Experience at Eleken is highly regarded in the SaaS and UI/UX industry, opening doors to other agencies and tech companies.

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Application Success Guide

• Exact application requirements and deadlines: Applicants typically need to submit:
• A resume/CV
• A portfolio showcasing UI/UX work (Figma files or case studies preferred)
• A brief cover letter explaining interest in Eleken and SaaS design Deadlines are rolling; apply as soon as possible for best consideration.
• Step-by-step application process:

1. Submit your application via the Eleken careers page.
2. If shortlisted, complete a design task or case study (usually a Figma-based exercise).
3. Attend a video interview with a lead designer or HR.
4. Final interview or portfolio review with the design team.

• Common interview questions for this specific role/company:
• Walk us through a recent UI/UX project in your portfolio.
• How do you approach designing for SaaS products?
• What is your process for user research and usability testing?
• How do you handle feedback and iterate on designs?
• Why do you want to work at Eleken?
• Assessment centers or case studies they use: Expect a practical design task (e.g., redesigning a SaaS dashboard or creating a user flow in Figma). The focus is on your design thinking, not just visual polish.
• What makes a standout candidate:
• A strong, relevant portfolio with SaaS or complex web app examples
• Clear understanding of user-centered design
• Ability to explain design decisions and iterate based on feedback
• Proactive communication and eagerness to learn

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Insider Tips

• Company-specific interview tips and what they value: Eleken values speed, ownership, and deep product understanding. Show that you can quickly grasp complex requirements and are comfortable working in fast-paced, iterative environments.
• Technical skills vs soft skills priorities: Technical skills (especially Figma and UI/UX fundamentals) are essential, but soft skills like communication, adaptability, and teamwork are equally important due to the embedded, remote nature of the work.
• Industry knowledge you should demonstrate:
• Familiarity with SaaS business models
• Understanding of user flows and onboarding for web apps
• Awareness of current UI/UX trends and accessibility standards
• Questions to ask interviewers to show genuine interest:
• How do interns typically contribute to client projects?
• What does mentorship look like at Eleken?
• How does the team handle feedback and design iteration?
• What are the most common challenges in SaaS UI/UX design?
• Red flags to avoid in applications/interviews:
• Submitting a portfolio with only graphic or marketing design (not product/UI/UX)
• Lack of explanation for design decisions
• Poor communication or slow response times (speed is valued)
• Not demonstrating interest in SaaS or complex product design

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Practical Information

• Salary/stipend ranges for this level: The internship is unpaid.
• Benefits package details: No formal benefits, but interns gain real project experience, mentorship, and a strong portfolio boost.
• Start dates and program duration: Start dates are flexible and rolling. Duration is typically 3–6 months (confirm specifics during the interview).
• Networking opportunities and alumni connections: Interns work closely with Eleken’s design team and may connect with a global network of SaaS founders and product managers through projects. Alumni often move into junior designer roles at Eleken or other leading agencies.

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Actionable Advice for Applicants

• Tailor your portfolio to highlight SaaS or web app projects.
• Demonstrate your process—show sketches, wireframes, and iterations, not just final screens.
• Practice Figma exercises and be ready to explain your design choices.
• Respond quickly and professionally at every stage—speed and communication matter.
• Show curiosity about SaaS design challenges and Eleken’s unique workflow. This approach will maximize your chances of standing out and succeeding in the Eleken UI/UX Designer Internship application process.